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Varmilo VA87M in 2021 still good?
Sup:
Introduction
I was thinking about getting a Varmilo TKL for a long time since i like the half floating switches. So i pulled the trigger and ordered a custom VA87M that you can order directly trough Varmilo.
Case
The case is supposedly to be made from a mix of ABS and Polycarbonate. The texture is mat and has a bit of a rough texture. Overall the finish is good i don't see any inconsistent in the color. It is the same for the bottom piece.
Stabilizers
Stabilizers are plate mount and they are good no rattle since they are lubed from the factory. First plate mount that has passed the no rattle test for me very happy with it.
Plate
The plate is made from aluminum and i don't see any weird anodization issues.
Key-caps
The key-caps are made from PBT and the profile is very close to Cherry, but the edges of the key-caps are more rounded then Cherry profile like GMK. The key-cap quality is okay nothing really spectacular they feels rough and they are thigh around the switches so be careful when you remove key-caps.
Typing feel
Typing feels very nice on it feels very consistent all over the board. Way better then some custom keyboards with tray mount those keyboards have some stiff places where the mounts are. This feels closer to a top mount keyboard.
Conclusion?
It's a okay hand it's not a bad keyboard if you do order trough Varmilo you have to pay high shipping prices that can range from 40-100 Dollars. So the normal VA87M is worth the money. If a custom one is worth is up to yourself since you significantly pay more because of shipping.
HungerMechanic:
What you are describing is similar to my experience in late 2018.
Actually very close. The stabilizers are the best plate-mount I ever saw on a prefabricated keyboard. But they have degraded somewhat over time - the spacebar is tilting and I will have to take a look at those stabilizers.
[I have some genuine Cherry plate-mount stabilizers, and maybe could replace the spacebar on my Varmilo.]
For the price, it is hard to beat in terms of typing feel and sound. Varmilo is probably better pound-for-pound than a low-end custom of similar price. Except for switch choice. The shipping price hurts the value of the Varmilo custom store.
I think the big threat to the Varmilo pre-built and custom will be when custom TKLs become more affordable. Then, the Varmilo doesn't really have much of a price/performance advantage. If KBDFans released a KBD8X Lite, for example, it could offer more than the Varmilo in a similar price range.
But at the moment, if you want a low-profile TKL, then the Varmilo is still a great prebuilt in terms of how it performs for the end-user.
Sup:
--- Quote from: HungerMechanic on Wed, 10 March 2021, 16:40:32 ---What you are describing is similar to my experience in late 2018.
Actually very close. The stabilizers are the best plate-mount I ever saw on a prefabricated keyboard. But they have degraded somewhat over time - the spacebar is tilting and I will have to take a look at those stabilizers.
[I have some genuine Cherry plate-mount stabilizers, and maybe could replace the spacebar on my Varmilo.]
For the price, it is hard to beat in terms of typing feel and sound. Varmilo is probably better pound-for-pound than a low-end custom of similar price. Except for switch choice. The shipping price hurts the value of the Varmilo custom store.
I think the big threat to the Varmilo pre-built and custom will be when custom TKLs become more affordable. Then, the Varmilo doesn't really have much of a price/performance advantage. If KBDFans released a KBD8X Lite, for example, it could offer more than the Varmilo in a similar price range.
But at the moment, if you want a low-profile TKL, then the Varmilo is still a great prebuilt in terms of how it performs for the end-user.
--- End quote ---
I totally agree with you that the KBD8X lite would offer way more then the Varmilo pre built especially since most of the new QMK boards support VIA and is very user friendly and powerful. Also since the new injection molded keyboards are not tray mounted, but gasket or top mounted it offers a more consistent typing experience.
I knew that there are probably way more better keyboards at this price point, but I also take typing angle into consideration and the looks. I like that the varmilo is not that high angled but its closer to being flat what goes really well with the key-caps that are close to cherry profile what a lot of prebuilt or custom keyboard don't usually have.
HungerMechanic:
Yes, I've noticed at desk-level the Varmilo is very easy to use with near-Cherry-style keycaps.
Sup:
I was gonna leave the stock key-caps on, but GMK Caps really made this board shine really enjoy typing on this board now feels like i found a end game tkl. Only wish it had QMK and it would have been perfect.
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